intro to biochemistry (notes)

water: 

• polar
• electrons (H) are shared unequally
• cohesion: water sticks to water
• adhesion: water molecules attracted to other types of molecules
• surface tension: adhesion + cohesion
• universal solvent: many things dissolve in water 

chemical reactions where molecules are put together/bond = energy stored
break the bonds--> release energy
sum of all these chemical reactions = metabolism 

synthesis reactions: 

• putting molecules together (storing energy)
• anabolic/constructive reactions
• monomers join to form polymers by dehydration synthesis

decomposition reactions:

• breakdown (releases energy)
• catabolic/destructive reactions
• polymers break down into monomers by hydrolysis 

biomolecules:

organic molecules have "carbon-carbon" or "carbon-hydrogen" bonds

macromolecules: large molecules containing millions of atoms

present in all forms of life 

• carbs: saccharides- sugars --> immediate energy; cell respiration --> ATP for cells
• nucleic acids: contain genetic information (DNA + RNA), A-T, G-C, contains genes
• proteins: peptide bonds, amino acids, form cytoskeleton; cellular transport
• enzymes: proteins, catalysts of metabolic reactions, control chemical reactions. have active site that binds to one specific substrate --> changed into product, released from enzyme
• lipids: water insoluble (hydrophobic). ex. fats, oils, waxes; high energy bonds, long-term energy storage. cushions & protects internal organs, waterproofing 

-saturated: no double bonds

-unsaturated: 1 or more C=C double bonds

phospholipid: molecules that make-up cell membrane